Abstract

We demonstrate parametric wavelength conversion via four-wave mixing using ultra-low peak pump powers of a few milliwatts in a micrometer-scale silicon device. The response time of our device is 100 ps allowing for implementation in high-bandwidth optical communications. At these ultra-low power levels and microscale sizes, it should be possible to realize hundreds of these devices operating simultaneously on a single chip.

Figures (4)

The microring resonator, shown in this SEM prior to being clad, is used for performing the parametric nonlinear optical process of four-wave mixing. Here we demonstrate low-power frequency conversion of an input signal, Is(in), to an output idler, Ii(out). Inset: Schematic of cross-section of waveguide.

Measured conversion efficiency as a function of wavelength for several ring resonances (red) and transmission spectrum (blue) in a 50-µm radius ring. A 15-dB enhancement of the FWM process due to the resonant cavity is observed. Inset: Sample on-resonance FWM spectrum with pump (P), signal (S), converted idler of interest (C1), and additional converted idler (C2).

Simulated (-) and experimental (•) conversion efficiency as a function of input pump power for rings with free carrier lifetime of 500 ps, (a) 10-µm radius and a Q of 23,000 and (b) 50-µm radius and a Q of 19,000.